Jul 11, 2012

Exploring issues in the development of Ayurvedic research methodology

Research
is the prime need of contemporary Ayurveda, but modern research on
Ayurveda has not been very rewarding for Ayurveda itself. Much of it
uses Ayurveda to extend modern bioscience. In contrast, Ayurveda needs
research designed to test and validate its fundamental concepts as well
as its treatments. In this context, if Ayurveda is to be truly explored
and validated in all its aspects, scientific inputs should conform to
Ayurveda's principles and philosophy. While its evidence base,
established since antiquity, may need further verification, research
should now focus on the Science of Ayurveda, rather than merely looking
for new drugs based on Ayurveda herbals; in-depth research is needed on
Ayurveda. Such research will require teamwork between scientists and
vaidyas based on truth and trust. Ayurveda research methodology requires
the ‘whole system testing approach’, global participation with
protocols evolved through intense interface with modern science,
regulatory reforms to eliminate barriers, and to be investigated ‘as it
is’, using approaches adapted from its own basic principles.